Chapter 08: Professor Aspen.

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*LILAC*

"Professor Aspen, youngest professor in the history of Lupin. Rumor has it that he studied in the land of the gods," Kira gushes as she kept eyeing my husband with dreamy eyes. Oh, need I forget, he had pushed me back down to my seat without saying a word, shooed off the girl whose name I know now as Beryl and then walked gracefully back to the dais.

I'm blinking.. Rapidly. Something I do when I can't quite understand a scenario. Why was I not told? Even if he wouldn't have told me, why didn't Issy tell me? "Are you listening to me Lilac?" I snap my head to meet Kira's eyes.

"What were you saying?"

"You asked me about him, and I'm telling you.. Professor Aspen."

I blink again, "Right.. What else is there to know about him?"

Kira smiled and then lowers her voice as she starts to speak again "He is the second prince of Lycania but he doesn't like to be addressed as a prince. Once, one of his student addressed him as 'your highness' in class.. He sent her out of the lecture hall."

"He did?" My robotic reply to her comes easily. I am not quite listening to Kira. My eyes is on him, he is not looking here though. He is setting up the podium, looking through the tablet on his hands. His hair is packed just like any other day, some stray locks finding its way across his face.

"He is handsome isn't he?" Kira whispers from beside me.

I hear that, and I nod in agreement. "He is," and he is mine. Fuck! Where did that come from? I mentally face palm myself.. Why the hell would I think like that?! Well technically it's true, but still... The man is a fucking Lycan for crying out loud and my professor, apparently.

"Good day class, this course is titled Classics of Lykae History, and I am your professor, Kael Aspen." He pauses briefly, his blue orbs scanning the rows of students seated before before continuing, "There are no rules that you must follow in this lesson, you may take questions or share the knowledge you wish, I would appreciate constructive comments and help during the discussion time.. Strictly during the discussion time."

I bring out my notepad and a pen, trying to focus. I have to focus. It does not matter that my husband is my professor, I have to listen and know these things. This is why the King enrolled me here, right?

"Now as you all know, or maybe some of you know.. Lykae history probes into the complexities and depths of our culture and beliefs, and what we call 'the past' in the present day. History shows us what happened, where we came from, what our goals were, what our weaknesses are and even our strengths. So today, we will discuss our ancestors and their contributions to Lycania and the history of our society."My eyes shift from his lips to the papers he sorts through on the lectern, it is fascinating really. He speaks so softly, and each word seems to fall from his mouth like silk. Every syllable feels like it's wrapped around my tongue and tastes like the finest chocolates, I want to eat them all.

And every once and a while I see those blue eyes peaking through his thick eyelashes and it takes every ounce of my willpower to look elsewhere, anywhere but at him.. "If you are interested in learning more about our ancestors, I suggest you have this material ready ready for our next class,'Lykaeon by Erasus'..." The class goes on for what seems like eternity.. Every moment I try to pay attention, my eyes keep wandering to him. When he stands to give feedback to his students, he smiles in such a beautiful way.. He looks so calm.. Almost regal. I wish he looked at me the same way. What the hell is wrong with me?

At one point, I find myself tuning out and listening to every word spoken. The only sounds are his words, and my pen scribbling against paper, and the occasional shuffling feet. Then the bell rings and everyone starts packing their books away.

"What class do you have next?"

Kira asks from beside me.

"Finance, with Dr. Sorel.."

"Oh..." her face falls, "and here I was thinking we would have our next class together !" She sighs and turns to leave, "See you later!"

As she leaves, I let the chair screech back and stand to leave. The noise catches Kael''s attention and he looks over to me. I gather up my notes, quickly making sure none of them fell out of the pile as they were being placed on top of the book in front of me, and push it in my bag.

"Do you even know where the lecture hall for your next class is?" He finally speaks.

I do not reply as I sling my backpack over my shoulders and start walking towards the exit. He starts walking towards me, his long strides allowing for him to be side by side with me in no time.

"Lilac —"

I turn, "Professor Aspen."

He sighs, running a hand through his hair as if he isn't hot enough, he just had to do that. I gulp, trying to keep my staccato heartbeat on a steady as I raise my eyes to look at my blue eyed husband slash professor.

His gaze is intense, almost like he can see through me. "Let me walk you to your next class."

I almost scoff at his attitude, he seems to have a knack for blowing hot and cold. "Why do you care?" My reply is sharp, unbridled.

"You are my wife, I won't want you roaming around here on your own. It's dangerous." Somehow he has leaned in closer, invading my space and even though the lecture hall is so fucking large, it feels cramped. Heat creeps up my back. He leans back up, slipping his hands effortlessly into his pockets, his very presence exuding control.

"I will be late to my class, I should leave now."

"You are still scared of me, aren't you?"

"I am not," I lie painstakingly through my teeth. He is a Lycan and being up close to him. I am not only scared of him, I am scared of my sudden reactions to him. I lick my dry lips, fidgeting with my backpack. "I really should go now, professor Aspen." I tell him.

"Wait after your classes, I'll drive you home."

"What— Issy is driving me home already, I-" I start to protest but his icy stare is back as he speaks again.

"I will drive you home, Lilac." The note of finality in his tone makes me gulp and then I nod.

"Good." He finally decides to walk away, not before ruffling my hair with a pat. My chest expands as I can finally take a breather and I glance at the exit, but he's gone already. Like he never was here.

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